St. Francisco de Borgia was the eldest son of Juan Borja, third Duke of Gandia, and Joanna of Aragón. At 18, he began his political career serving Emperor Charles V. The following year, he married Eleanor de Castron, the Empress's close friend. Both were known for their piety and virtue. On 26 June 1539, the Emperor appointed Francis as Lieutenant Governor and Viceroy of Catalonia, where he excelled as an organizer and administrator, combating banditry, reforming justice, and aiding the poor during famine. After his father's death on 17 December 1542, he succeeded as Duke of Gandia. In 1546, after losing his wife, Francis decided to join the Jesuit order. He studied theology and Latin secretly, was professed in 1548, and earned his doctorate on 20 August 1550. Once his children were settled, the Emperor permitted him to abdicate. Francis was ordained on 4 February 1551 and celebrated his first Mass at Loyola, creating a sensation across Europe. He famously said, "We must make our way towards eternity, never regarding what men think of us or our actions, studying only to please God." Rapidly advancing in the Jesuit Order, St. Ignatius de Loyola first enlisted Francis for delicate diplomatic missions. On 11 April 1554, he was named Commissary General for Spain, Portugal, and the Americas, leading to extensive travel and efforts to establish colleges and novitiates. After the death of Diego Lainez in 1565, Francis became Vicar General and was elected the 3rd General of the Jesuits on 2 July that year. As Father General, he founded 31 new colleges and expanded the Society's mission to regions like Florida, Mexico, and Peru, during which 66 Jesuit missionaries were martyred in Japan. He died on a Papal diplomatic mission and was canonized by Pope Clement X on 12 April 1671, becoming the patron saint of Portugal.
St. Francis Borgia, obtain for us the grace to spread the Good News to all those we meet.
Jonathan Fabian Ginunggil,
Most High Servant,
Jesus, Mary, Joseph Ministry of Love
(Blessed and Saints and the Nine Choirs of Angels)
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